Both the Rinker 296 CC 2010 and the Rinker Express Cruiser 280 2011 are deep-V designs, both built in fibreglass, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Rinker 296 CC 2010 at 30,8 ft versus Rinker Express Cruiser 280 2011 at 31,7 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Rinker Express Cruiser 280 2011 tips the scales at 7 640 lbs - 1 330 lbs less than the Rinker 296 CC 2010 at 6 310 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

The Rinker Express Cruiser 280 2011 tops out at 320 hp. Engine specs for the Rinker 296 CC 2010 aren't listed - confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Both carry nearly identical fuel loads - 100 gal and 100 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Both boats are rated for 9 passengers - a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.